HC Deb 05 June 1956 vol 553 cc856-7
17. Mr. Allaun

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that it is estimated to cost the parents of a Salford National Service man £120 to have his body brought home from Germany for burial; and if he will give an estimate of the annual charge on public funds if in such cases of deaths on home postings the costs were paid by his Department.

Mr. Head

The cost of providing the special coffin required by international regulations and transporting a body from Germany varies between about £80 and £140. To pay the cost for all overseas stations would amount to about £50,000 per year.

Mr. Allaun

But if young men are to be conscripted, is there not a moral responsibility to bring these coffins home if the parents so desire? Surely the miserable sum which the Minister mentioned is not too much to spend on relieving their parents' distress.

Mr. Head

I am not sure that the hon. Member is absolutely right about being certain that this policy would relieve parents' distress. On some occasions, it might increase it. This whole question was gone into very carefully after the war. I can give the hon. Member further details, but I believe that the original decision made then was the right one.